Pixar's 'Brave' keeps studio's track record of #1's unbroken

However - a falling off of 3-D ticket sales indicates that many families are unwilling to spend extra

Many self-proclaimed analysts said that an animated feature about a
fiery-headed heroine would lack crossover appeal. To no effect - Pixar's
""Brave" continued in that studio's proud tradition of opening weekends
at the #1 position. "Brave" scored a whopping $66.7 million at this
weekend's box office. However - 3-D ticket sales for this film were at a
disappointing 34 percent, suggesting that many film-going families no
longer wish to pay extra.

"Brave" scored the second highest June opening for an animated film after Pixar's "Toy Story 3." Overseas, the Pixar and Disney title debuted to $13.5 million in 10 markets.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Otherwise, it was a victory dance all around or Pixar. "Brave" scored the second highest June opening for an animated film after Pixar's "Toy Story 3." Overseas, the Pixar and Disney title debuted to $13.5 million in 10 markets.

"Brave" is Pixar's 13th film and is the first movie in the company's history to feature a female lead. Some actually thought that a heroine this time around would dilute interest. "You have to draw men and boys as well to see this number," Disney executive president of worldwide distribution Dave Hollis said. "The themes in the movie -- bravery, fighting for your fate -- transcend gender."

Family films pulled them in this past weekend with DreamWorks Animation and Paramount holdover "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" falling to No. 2 in its third weekend.

The exotically titled "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" opened at third. The R-rated horror film grossed a soft $16.5 million in its opening. Produced by Tim Burton, "Abraham Lincoln" received a C+ CinemaScore. The pic's cast is led by Benjamin Walker. Costing $68 million to produce, the film is a heavy indicator for future "mash-up" titles. Lionsgate is set to make the film adaptation of Grahame-Smith's book "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies."

A mash-up of the quirky indie comedy and doomsday epic genres, "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley squeaked in at No. 10. Another quirky indie film, open at only 395 theaters, "Moonrise Kingdom" tied with "Seeking."

In related indie film favorites, Woody Allen's new entry "To Rome with Love" got off to a strong start, grossing $379,371 from five theaters for a sizeable location average of $75,874, easily the best of the weekend.

There was no good for the summer's most expensive flops "Rock of Ages" and "That's My Boy," which sank to No. 6 and 7 respectively.